Makhtesh Ramon: Colors, Fossils and Night Skies

The largest makhtesh in the world: colored sands, the Carpentry, ammonite fossils and stargazing.

• RegionNegev & Craters
• Duration6-8 hours
• DifficultyModerate
• Distance7 km
• Upcoming datesOn request, for groups and families
• Pricefrom ₪310
• Suitable for kids✓

Makhtesh Ramon is a closed valley about 40 km long, carved by erosion over millions of years. We start at the visitor center on the rim, descend to the crater floor and visit the Carpentry, a hill of rocks that look like sawn timber, and the colored sands.

We look for ammonite fossils at the Ammonite Wall and return to the rim for sunset. Those who stay for the evening see Mitzpe Ramon's night sky, among the darkest in Israel, and learn to find stars and constellations.

Route notes

By 4x4 or private car with walks. Nights are cold even in summer.